UFC Not Stripping Conor McGregor of the Belt Just Yet

The UFC has made it official, announcing that interim lightweight champ Tony Ferguson will face Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC 223.

But if you read between the lines of their official release, you can see their official stance on lightweight champ Conor McGregor. Remember: McGregor hasn’t defended the belt once since winning it in November, 2016. Instead, he’s been making millions as a boxer.

Here’s the official release:

The UFC’s return to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Apr. 7 will feature one of the most highly-anticipated matchups of the new year, as interim UFC lightweight champion Tony Ferguson faces No. 2-ranked contender Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC 223 main event.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, Feb. 9.

Rivals for several years, Ferguson and Nurmagomedov are both looking to end their feud in the Octagon, and the stage is set for a bout to remember, as the 25-0 Nurmagomedov looks to keep the momentum going from his back to back wins over Michael Johnson and Edson Barboza against former Ultimate Fighter winner Ferguson, who has won ten in a row, including an October finish of Kevin Lee that earned him the interim lightweight crown.

Notice the use of the word “interim”? Yeah, McGregor is still the champ.